Cruising for the Holidays

If your holiday preparation list includes things like purchasing perfect gifts, preparing sumptuous meals and spending time with family, consider ripping it up (or deleting it) and replacing it with just one task: calling Fantasy Tours and Cruise Holidays of Milford to plan a holiday cruise getaway.

The excitement and relaxation of a cruise is a terrific holiday gift for yourself and your family. Leave the cooking, cleaning, shopping and stress behind, and board a ship for a warm destination.

For an early-season break, consider a Halloween cruise. Many ships encourage passengers to bring costumes for a Halloween party amid appropriately ghoulish decorations. Some ships offer trick-or-treating: candy for the kids, and perhaps a more grown-up version (such as a wine-and-cheese scavenger hunt) for adults.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful tradition that gets special attention on cruise ships. Expect decorations, an incredible Thanksgiving feast, and lots of time to relax and fortify yourself for the holidays to come. Football fans will be happy to know that some ships make it a point to show the day’s football games on big screens!

Hanukkah comes early this year, beginning the day before Thanksgiving. On many ships, menorahs and other decorations will mingle with Thanksgiving cornucopias. Some ships offer special services, music and activities led by rabbis; evening menorah lightings; and delicious traditional foods like potato latkes and challah bread.

If you’re boarding a ship for Christmas, don’t be surprised if Santa himself greets you. You may find some elves dashing about the ship as well, putting the finishing touches on sparkling decorations. Expect special brunches and dinners, holiday-themed shows, caroling, and perhaps even a gift for you under the ship’s Christmas tree.

If you’re sailing on New Year’s Eve, dress up for a glittering party that you can enjoy to the fullest. Many ships go all out, with a variety of live music, delicious buffets, outdoor movies and more. At midnight, join in a champagne toast as confetti swirls! If you can, stay up to greet the first sunrise of the year; or, enjoy your comfortable stateroom and sleep well into January 1.

One more option for a holiday cruise: a European Christmas market river cruise. Some of Europe’s most historic and interesting cities truly deck the halls (or their town squares) and exude a warm, festive spirit. You’ll see twinkling lights, stroll through quaint shops and enjoy scrumptious local cuisine. Your river cruise boat will usher you from city to city in relaxing, comfortable surroundings. What a perfect way to soak in the holiday spirit and learn how other cultures celebrate.

Space may already be tight on 2013 holiday cruises, but your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert can help you find the best options. And, it’s not too early to start planning a 2014 holiday cruise: some lines will offer special rates during the spring and summer of 2014. Ask Fantasy Tours and Cruise Holidays of Milford to help you plan ahead to reserve the perfect holiday cruise.